The g-meter
is a self-contained accelerometer and display unit mounted on panel
F7. It senses linear acceleration along the Z axis (normal) of the
vehicle. A mass weight in the unit is supported vertically by two
guide rods and is constrained by a constant-rate helical spring.
The inertial force of the mass is proportional to the inertial force
of the vehicle and, hence, to the input acceleration, under conditions
of constant acceleration. Displacement of the mass is translated
to pointer displacement through a rack-and-pinion gear train whose
output is linear with input acceleration. The display indicates
acceleration from minus 2 g's to plus 4 g's. The g-meter requires
no power and has no software interface. Like all the dedicated displays,
it has an external variable incandescent lamp.